Law enforcement agencies issue statements on mask order

No longer exempt from GA-29, the executive order that mandates the wearing of masks in public, some law enforcement agencies in Cass County are announcing their positions on enforcement.

Cass County Sheriff Larry Rowe said today that his office supports the wearing of masks but will not enforce the “directive”.

“It is a directive not law so we will not be issuing citations for not wearing a mask”, Rowe said.

Hughes Springs Police Chief Randy Kennedy said everyone should take precautions to stay safe and that if a store requires a mask, that requirement should be respected.

"I will not write citations, but if someone is presenting themselves ina threatening manner, (coughing or sneezing on people, etc), then it becomes a criminal charge of assault", Kennedy wrote.

When asked what the loss of exemption means from an enforcement standpoint, Atlanta Police Chief Robin Betts said, “It means we’re going to have to follow the governor’s guidelines.”

Betts shared an email written by Atlanta City Manager, David Cockrell, in which recipients were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the order.

GA-29 states that following a verbal or written warning for a first-time violator of the requirement, a person’s second violation shall be punishable by a fine not  to exceed $250 with each subsequent violation punishable by a fine not to exceed $250.

“Local law enforcement and other local officials, as appropriate, can and should enforce this executive order, Executive Order GA-28, and other effective executive orders, as well as local restrictions that are consistent with this executive order and other effective executive orders. But no law enforcement or other official may detain, arrest, or confine in jail any person for a violation of this executive order or for related non-violent, non-felony offenses that are predicated on a violation of this executive order; provided, however, that any official with authority to enforce this executive order may act to enforce trespassing laws and remove violators at the request of a business establishment or other property owner”, the order reads.

The executive order prohibits confinement in jail as a penalty for the violation of any face-covering order by any jurisdiction.

Cass County Judge Becky Wilbanks announced Sunday that her office received a notification from the Texas Division of Emergency Management indicating that the county is no longer exempt from the mask requirement.

Wilbanks announced Monday that there are currently 25 active cases which exceeds the maximum number of cases required for exemption.

Wilbanks directed inquiries about the enforcement of the Governor’s order to law enforcement agencies within the county.